The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
Reservations not likely, Peachtree will be ready
[ By Kendra Walker ]
Monday was the last day of Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) summer operations and with a new Peachtree chairlift on the way, the mountain is shifting its focus to the winter ahead and Crested Butte’s 60th anniversary ski season.
“We had a great summer season and guests were very excited to get back on our mountain to ride the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Park, hike the peak, take scenic chairlift rides, play disc golf, explore our gem panning and mini golf activities, and enjoy the outdoors,” said CBMR communications manager Will Shoemaker. “With greater demand for travel and after experiencing a reduced operating footprint last summer, we were excited to see that interest in the outdoors continues to be strong and are looking forward to the winter season ahead.”
Even though the lifts have stopped spinning for bike hauls and scenic rides, the on-mountain trails are still open for public access hiking and biking at this time. “We ask that visitors observe all posted signs and closures,” said Shoemaker. “At this time, we do not have trail maintenance or patrol monitoring trails for hiking or biking. All access to resort trails for these activities is at your own risk. Unmarked hazards or equipment may be encountered at any time (including construction, heavy equipment, man-made objects, variable conditions and other hazards). In the event of an emergency, call 911.”
Construction of the new three-person fixed-grip Peachtree lift is proceeding as planned and going well, said Shoemaker. Alongside the new lift, grading of terrain will create a more consistent pitch across the entire slope, serving the beginner terrain at the base of the resort.
“Upgrades to the Peachtree lift are scheduled to be complete for the 2021-22 winter season,” said Shoemaker. “We’ll announce a specific opening date for the new lift as winter approaches.”
The new Peachtree lift will help celebrate CBMR’s 60th anniversary season, says Shoemaker. “This winter, we’re celebrating the grit of our founders and their desire to Be Wild as part of our 60th anniversary season.”
As for COVID-19 uncertainty as the cold weather approaches, Shoemaker said Vail Resorts will continue to monitor public health guidance surrounding COVID-19 in determining necessary safety protocols for the 2021-22 ski and ride season.
“Given the evolving nature of the pandemic, we will communicate our winter operating plans in the fall. At this time, Vail Resorts does not plan to have a mountain access reservation system,” said Shoemaker. “Our employees are currently working hard on preparations for winter. With just more than 75 days until our winter opening date of November 24, we’re very excited to welcome guests back onto the snow!”
